Book Marketing Online: International Authors' Resources

What I absolutely love about the internet is that there are literally no boundaries. For example, the other day I was in a Goodreads chat room and discovered Sylvia Massara and her Lit Chick Show based out of Australia. Not only is Sylvia an author herself, she also makes it a business of networking with other authors, show casing them on her virtual TV show on her blog. While the term Lit Chick might suggest she is primarily interested in fiction for women that is not true. The term stands for Literary Chick, representing Sylvia's passion for books. Massara says fiction and non-fiction, traditional and Indie authors are all welcome.

International Networking

Guests on Sylvia's show range from Mark Coker, CEO and founder of Smashwords, to Dr. Manjiri Prabhu, author and filmmaker based in Pune, India to Jo-Anne Vandermeulen who is a Canadian author of fiction and non-fiction. I took the time to go to Jo-Anne's site and found out that she also hosts blog talk radio, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prempromotions in a show called Author's Articulating. Once you check out Jo-Anne's site, if you are interested in setting up your own blog talk radio show, click here.

Check out Aggie Villanueva here. Not only is Aggie a wonderful lady she is an author, photographer and she goes out of her way to help other authors too!

Be sure to stop by Sylvia's blog and sign up for her newsletter for notification of my upcoming video interview with her on my memoir, entitled Bad Girl Gone Mom.

Article and Platform Marketing

Twenty years ago, I could not have imagined making the acquaintance of fellow authors from Canada, India, Australia or various places in the United States in the same day unless I paid megabucks to attend a seminar somewhere. Today, I can simply use my mouse and keyboard to travel the world. What does that do to someone who has a product or service to offer? In simple terms, it offers them the world at their fingertips.

If you are interested in doing article marketing to help promote your book and support your expertise, check out book-coach and author Judy Cullins. After I joined Judy's LinkedIn marketing group, I received emails about podcasts on certain subjects. I happened upon a podcast that Judy was offering that featured author John Kremer on how to Sell Your Book in 30 days, who is the founder of the Book Marketing Network. I have got to tell you that my pen was going furiously as I took notes and listened to the wonderful ideas and suggestions John gave the audience. Sitting and listening to a podcast gave me several points to ponder, and then implement once I strategized.

Judy and many others in her LinkedIn group have been quick to guide and answer questions on topics ranging from using Twitter to market to tips for authors to develop a platform and branding.

Kathleen Gage is another marketing person to watch. She holds CinchCasts, which are shared on the blog Authors Helping Authors. Check out her latest Cinch.

Social Networking such as Twitter and YouTube

If you are trying to learn Twitter, fellow friend and writer on Yahoo!/AC, Marie Anne St. Jean wrote a beneficial article on hash tags and tweeting that helped get me started. Another very helpful place to go for international marketing is YouTube. Joe Wyte has put together a great article on how to use You Tube to help get you started with video and trailers for your work.

Networking with other international authors and writers provides a constant stream of support, guidance, and inspiration. There are a million-and-one resources on the internet to help jump start your book, promotion and platform and there are equally as many opinions as to what to do first, second and third. Should you publish Indie or scout for an agent and a traditional publishing contract? Should you publish an e book online or should you publish a paperback? Questions you need to answer for yourself are: why am I writing this, who is my potential audience and where do I want to put my energies and focus. Those questions should lead you down the path as to where you should go next. If you are still not sure, join a group, get involved and ask more questions.

If your marketing plan for your book extends beyond family and friends, know that international resources for authors are plentiful, just let your fingers do the walking and reach out and touch someone. I am sure any of the expert authors here would be happy to meet you. Feel free to add additional resources in the comment section below.